2021 Notre Dame Commit Blake Fisher Remaining Positive Despite Dead Period

The NCAA extended the Dead Period once again to the coronavirus this week and recruits won't be able to take visits through at least the end of June. 

2021 Notre Dame offensive line commit Blake Fisher‍ had been looking forward to getting to campus in March, April and June, but he also understands why he and others can't make it back to South Bend.

"There isn't anything you can really do at this point," Fisher said. "The virus is really serious and we have to take precautions to keep everyone safe. You don't want to go on a visit where you feel uncomfortable. You want to feel comfortable in the environment you're in and you don't want to rush anything because there can be consequences by rushing the process.

"It's just not a good time to take visits, so we have to wait another month or two and see where things stand."

There is no denying Notre Dame and other programs have been hurt by not hosting top targets over the last few months, but Fisher is staying positive and feels everyone will be extremely grateful when the dead period is over.

"It's a blow to everyone that was trying to take visits," explained Fisher. "Everyone needs to be patient.

"The recruiting process is a really big business and it can be stressful. When things open back up, everyone will be a lot more grateful and thankful for the opportunity. I think sometimes guys take the opportunities they have for granted." 

Notre Dame's staff has adapted to the pandemic in many ways and it hasn't slowed recruiting down. 

Fisher admits he does feels a little pressure to stay in contact with Notre Dame's prospective student-athletes a little more than usual to make sure they know as much as they need to know.

"I'm trying to build relationships with guys and I feel that's important," Fisher stated. "Staying in touch helps them understand that you want to play with them and have interest in them. 

"You have to care for them outside of football." 

Cornerback Nick McCloud (graduate transfer), defensive end Jason Onye and cornerback Philip Riley all committed to Notre Dame recently and none of them stepped on campus for a visit.

It's hard for Fisher to imagine committing to a school without visiting, but he knows Notre Dame has gone the extra mile to make sure each recruit knows as much as possible.

"It's tough, but I have a biased opinion when you look at Notre Dame," Fisher explained. "A virtual visit can tell me everything I need to know. From the campus to the environment, statistics of academics, relationships with the coaches to the Grotto, facilities and the stadium, the whole campus as a whole is beautiful. It's just a real family-oriented atmosphere at Notre Dame. 

"I think that's what Jason Onye and Philip Riley have come to understand. Notre Dame is that place and we can compete with anyone in the nation when it comes to landing a commitment from anyone.  

And yes, Fisher is focused on adding more names to the class. 

"I'm really talking to Rocco Spindler, Caleb Johnson, Donte Thornton, Donovan Edwards and LJ Johnson Jr," said Fisher.